Pediatric Intraoperative Electromyographic Responses at the Adductor Pollicis and Flexor Hallucis Brevis Muscles: A Prospective, Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve stimulation with a train-of-four (TOF) pattern can be used intraoperatively to evaluate the depth of neuromuscular block and confirm recovery from neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). Quantitative monitoring can be challenging in infants and children due to patient size, equipment technology, and limited access to monitoring sites. Although the adductor pollicis muscle is the preferred site of monitoring, the foot is an alternative when the hands are unavailable. However, there is little information on comparative evoked neuromuscular responses at those 2 sites. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing inpatient surgery requiring NMBA administration were studied after informed consent. Electromyographic (EMG) monitoring was performed simultaneously in each participant at the hand (ulnar nerve, adductor pollicis muscle) and the foot (posterior tibial nerve, flexor hallucis brevis muscle). RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 3.0 ± standard deviation (SD) 2.9 years were studied. The baseline first twitch amplitude (T1) of TOF at the foot (12.46 mV) was 4.47 mV higher than at the hand (P <.0001). The baseline TOF ratio (TOFR) before NMBA administration and the maximum TOFR after antagonism with sugammadex were not different at the 2 sites. The onset time until the T1 decreased to 10% or 5% of the baseline value (T1) was delayed by approximately 90 seconds (both P =.014) at the foot compared with the hand. The TOFR at the foot recovered (TOFR ≥0.9) 191 seconds later than when this threshold was achieved at the hand (P =.017). After antagonism, T1 did not return to its baseline value, a typical finding with EMG monitoring, but the fractional recovery (maximum T1 at recovery divided by the baseline T1) at the hand and foot was not different, 0.81 and 0.77, respectively (P =.68). The final TOFR achieved at recovery was approximately 100% and was not different between the 2 sites. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study in young children demonstrated the feasibility of TOF monitoring, interpretation of the depth of neuromuscular block needs to consider the delayed onset and the delayed recovery of TOFR at the foot compared to the hand. The delay in achieving these end points when monitoring the foot may impact the timing of tracheal intubation and assessment of adequate recovery of neuromuscular block to allow tracheal extubation (ie, TOFR ≥0.9).

Assessing pain in paralyzed critically ill patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents: A monocenter prospective cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Given the absence of established recommendations for pain assessment in pharmacologically paralyzed Intensive-Care-Units (ICU) patients under Neuro-Muscular-Blocking Agents (NMBA), this study assessed the validity of various parameters for evaluating pain in this specific population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four electrophysiological parameters (instant-Analgesia-Nociception-Index (ANI), Bispectral index (BIS), Heart Rate (HR) and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP)) and one clinical parameter (Behavioural-Pain-Scale (BPS)) were recorded during tracheal-suctioning in all consecutive ICU patients who required a continuous infusion of cisatracurium, before and just after paralysis recovery measured by Train-of-Four ratio. The validity of the five pain-related parameters was assessed by comparing the values recorded during different situations (before/during/after the nociceptive procedure) (discriminant-validity, primary outcome), and the effect of paralysis was assessed by comparing values obtained during and after paralysis (reliability, secondary outcome). RESULTS: Twenty patients were analyzed. ANI, BIS, and HR significantly changed during the nociceptive procedure in both paralysis and recovery, while BPS changed only post-recovery. ANI and HR were unaffected by paralysis, unlike BIS and BPS (mixed-effect model). ANI exhibited the highest discriminant-validity, with values (min 0/max 100) decreasing from 71 [48-89] at rest to 41 [25-72] during tracheal suctioning in paralyzed patients, and from 71 [53-85] at rest to 40 [31-52] in non-paralyzed patients. CONCLUSIONS: ANI proves the most discriminant parameter for pain detection in both paralyzed and non-paralyzed sedated ICU patients. Its significant and clinically relevant decrease during tracheal suctioning remains unaltered by NMBA use. Pending further studies on analgesia protocols based on ANI, it could be used to assess pain during nociceptive procedures in ICU patients receiving NMBA.

Spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular block after a single dose of a muscle relaxant in pediatric patients: A systematic review using a network meta-analytic and meta-regression approach.

BACKGROUND: Age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and the short duration of many surgical procedures put pediatric patients at risk of postoperative residual curarization (PORC). To date, the duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect in children has not been analyzed in a quantitative review. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare spontaneous recovery following administration of various types and doses of neuromuscular blocking agents and to quantify the effect of prognostic variables associated with the recovery time in pediatric patients. METHOD: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared the time to 25% T1 (t25), from 25% to 75% T1 (RI25-75), and to ≥90% train-of-four (tTOF90) neuromuscular recovery between common neuromuscular blocking agent treatments administered as a single bolus to healthy pediatric participants. We compared spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 between (1) neuromuscular blocking agent treatments and (2) age groups receiving a given neuromuscular blocking agent intervention and anesthesia technique. Bayesian random-effects network and pairwise meta-analyses along with meta-regression were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: We used data from 71 randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials including 4319 participants. Network meta-analysis allowed for the juxtaposition and ranking of spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 following common neuromuscular blocking agent interventions. For all neuromuscular blocking agents a log-linear relationship between dose and duration of action was found. With the neuromuscular blocking agent treatments studied, the average tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) in children (>2-11 y) was 41.96 [14.35, 69.50] and 17.06 [5.99, 28.30] min shorter than in neonates (<28 d) and infants (28 d-12 M), respectively. We found a negative log-linear correlation between age and duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect. The difference in the tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) between children and other age groups increased by 21.66 [8.82, 34.53] min with the use of aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents and by 24.73 [7.92, 41.43] min with the addition of sevoflurane/isoflurane for anesthesia maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: The times to neuromuscular recovery are highly variable. These can decrease significantly with age and are prolonged when volatile anesthetics are administered. This variability, combined with the short duration of many pediatric surgical procedures, makes quantitative neuromuscular monitoring mandatory even after a single dose of neuromuscular blocking agent.

Remifentanil for tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is increasing interest in the use of short-acting opioids such as remifentanil to facilitate tracheal intubation. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for tracheal intubation compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients. We conducted a systematic search for randomised controlled trials evaluating remifentanil for tracheal intubation. Primary outcomes included tracheal intubation conditions and adverse events. Twenty-one studies evaluating 1945 participants were included in the analysis. Use of remifentanil (1.5-4.0 µg.kg-1) showed no evidence of a difference in tracheal intubation success rate compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.97 (0.94-1.01); six studies; 1232 participants; I2 28%; p = 0.16; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs, the use of remifentanil (2.0-4.0 µg.kg-1) makes little to no difference in terms of producing excellent tracheal intubation conditions (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.16 (0.72-1.87); two studies; 121 participants; I2 31%, p = 0.54; moderate-certainty of evidence). There was no evidence of an effect between remifentanil (2.0-4.0 µg.kg-1) and neuromuscular blocking drugs for bradycardia (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.44 (0.01-13.90); two studies; 997 participants; I2 81%; p = 0.64) and hypotension (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.05 (0.44-2.49); three studies; 1071 participants; I2 92%; p = 0.92). However, the evidence for these two outcomes was judged to be of very low-certainty. We conclude that remifentanil may be used as an alternative drug for tracheal intubation in cases where neuromuscular blocking drugs are best avoided, but more studies are required to evaluate the haemodynamic adverse events of remifentanil at different doses.

Extravascular injection of neuromuscular blocking drugs: A systematic review of current evidence and management.

Extravascular injection of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) can cause a neuromuscular block because of systemic absorption. Currently, there are no guidelines available on managing extravasation of NMBDs. This article reviews the available literature on extravasation of NMBDs. Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies concerning the paravenous or subcutaneous injection of NMBDs. Nine articles were included consisting of seven case reports, one case series and one clinical trial. Rocuronium was used as primary NMBD in nine cases, vecuronium in two cases and pancuronium in one case. Although there exists significant heterogeneity between the reported information in the included studies, the majority of the case reports describe a slower onset, with a median delay of 20 min and prolonged duration of the neuromuscular block. Nine patients had a residual neuromuscular block at the end of the surgery. Postoperative monitoring in the recovery room was prolonged (median time 4 h). Most studies suggest that the delay in NMBD onset and recovery is caused by the formation of a subcutaneous depot, from which the NMBD is slowly absorbed into the systemic circulation. According to the current literature, extravasation of NMBDs results in an unpredictable neuromuscular block. Strategies to prevent potentially harmful side effects, such as frequent train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, the use of NMBD reversal agents and prolonged length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), should be considered. This article suggests a clinical pathway that can be used after extravascular injection of NMBDs.

Comparison of a Modern Digital Mechanomyograph to a Mechanomyograph Utilizing an Archival Grass Force Transducer.

BACKGROUND: Mechanomyography is the traditional gold standard research technique for quantitative assessment of neuromuscular blockade. Mechanomyography directly measures the isometric force generated by the thumb in response to ulnar nerve stimulation. Researchers must construct their own mechanomyographs since commercial instruments are no longer available. A mechanomyograph was constructed, and its performance was compared against an archival mechanomyography system from the 1970s that utilized an FT-10 Grass force transducer, hypothesizing that train-of-four ratios recorded on each device would be equivalent. METHODS: A mechanomyograph was constructed using 3D-printed components and modern electronics. An archival mechanomyography system was assembled from original components, including an FT-10 Grass force transducer. Signal digitization for computerized data collection was utilized instead of the original paper strip chart recorder. Both devices were calibrated with standard weights to demonstrate linear voltage response curves. The mechanomyographs were affixed to opposite arms of patients undergoing surgery, and the train-of-four ratio was measured during the onset and recovery from rocuronium neuromuscular blockade. RESULTS: Calibration measurements exhibited a positive linear association between voltage output and calibration weights with a linear correlation coefficient of 1.00 for both mechanomyography devices. The new mechanomyograph had better precision and measurement sensitivity than the archival system: 5.3 mV versus 15.5 mV and 1.6 mV versus 5.7 mV, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). A total of 767 pairs of train-of-four ratio measurements obtained from eight patients had positive linear association (R 2 = 0.94; P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis resulted in bias of 3.8% and limits of agreement of -13% and 21%. CONCLUSIONS: The new mechanomyograph resulted in similar train-of-four ratio measurements compared to an archival mechanomyography system utilizing an FT-10 Grass force transducer. These results demonstrated continuity of gold standard measurement of neuromuscular blockade spanning nearly 50 yr, despite significant changes in the instrumentation technology.

Effect of Remifentanil vs Neuromuscular Blockers During Rapid Sequence Intubation on Successful Intubation Without Major Complications Among Patients at Risk of Aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is uncertain whether a rapid-onset opioid is noninferior to a rapid-onset neuromuscular blocker during rapid sequence intubation when used in conjunction with a hypnotic agent. Objective: To determine whether remifentanil is noninferior to rapid-onset neuromuscular blockers for rapid sequence intubation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial among 1150 adults at risk of aspiration (fasting for <6 hours, bowel occlusion, recent trauma, or severe gastroesophageal reflux) who underwent tracheal intubation in the operating room at 15 hospitals in France from October 2019 to April 2021. Follow-up was completed on May 15, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive neuromuscular blockers (1 mg/kg of succinylcholine or rocuronium; n = 575) or remifentanil (3 to 4 µg/kg; n = 575) immediately after injection of a hypnotic. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was assessed in all randomized patients (as-randomized population) and in all eligible patients who received assigned treatment (per-protocol population). The primary outcome was successful tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications, defined as lung aspiration of digestive content, oxygen desaturation, major hemodynamic instability, sustained arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and severe anaphylactic reaction. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 7.0%. Results: Among 1150 randomized patients (mean age, 50.7 [SD, 17.4] years; 573 [50%] women), 1130 (98.3%) completed the trial. In the as-randomized population, tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications occurred in 374 of 575 patients (66.1%) in the remifentanil group and 408 of 575 (71.6%) in the neuromuscular blocker group (between-group difference adjusted for randomization strata and center, -6.1%; 95% CI, -11.6% to -0.5%; P = .37 for noninferiority), demonstrating inferiority. In the per-protocol population, 374 of 565 patients (66.2%) in the remifentanil group and 403 of 565 (71.3%) in the neuromuscular blocker group had successful intubation without major complications (adjusted difference, -5.7%; 2-sided 95% CI, -11.3% to -0.1%; P = .32 for noninferiority). An adverse event of hemodynamic instability was recorded in 19 of 575 patients (3.3%) with remifentanil and 3 of 575 (0.5%) with neuromuscular blockers (adjusted difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 1.2%-4.4%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults at risk of aspiration during rapid sequence intubation in the operating room, remifentanil, compared with neuromuscular blockers, did not meet the criterion for noninferiority with regard to successful intubation on first attempt without major complications. Although remifentanil was statistically inferior to neuromuscular blockers, the wide confidence interval around the effect estimate remains compatible with noninferiority and limits conclusions about the clinical relevance of the difference. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03960801.

Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Postoperative Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Over the past five decades, quantitative neuromuscular monitoring devices have been used to examine the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular block in international clinical practices, and to determine their role in reducing the risk of residual neuromuscular block and associated adverse clinical outcomes. Several clinical trials and a recent meta-analysis have documented that the intraoperative application of quantitative monitoring significantly reduces the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade in the operating room and postanesthesia care unit. In addition, emerging data show that quantitative monitoring minimizes the risk of adverse clinical events, such as unplanned postoperative reintubations, hypoxemia, and postoperative episodes of airway obstruction associated with incomplete neuromuscular recovery, and may improve postoperative respiratory outcomes. Several international anesthesia societies have recommended that quantitative monitoring be performed whenever a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to determine the potential benefits of quantitative monitoring in the perioperative setting.

Uso de infusión continua de bloqueadores neuromusculares en pacientes con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva / Use of continuous infusion of neuromuscular blockers in patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation

ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo del presente informe es: Describir el proceso para la elaboración de recomendaciones por el grupo de trabajo designado por el Ministerio de Salud, en adelante denominado grupo de trabajo. Trasladar las Recomendaciones efectuadas por dicho grupo de trabajo en atención al uso de infusión continua de bloqueadores neuromusculares en pacientes con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica no invasiva, según la pregunta PICO (P: Población, I:Intervención, C:Comparador, O: Outcome o desenlaces) priorizada por el grupo de trabajo. La metodología considerada para arribar a la recomendación fue el Marco de Evidencia a la Decisión/Recomendación (EtD) desarrollado por el Grupo de Trabajo GRADE(1,2). METODOS: Formulación de la pregunta: ¿Debería utilizarse infusión continua de bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) versus no hacerlo, en pacientes con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI? ¿Qué medicamento y qué pauta de dosificación debe administrarse? Identificación de la evidencia para la pregunta PICO: Se siguieron las orientaciones establecidas en el documento interno de UNAGESP: Orientaciones para el soporte metodológico otorgado al grupo de trabajo designado por el MINSA. Se describe a continuación los resultados del proceso: Se efectuó la búsqueda de guías de práctica clínica (GPC) que incluyeran recomendaciones respecto al uso de BNM en la población de interés, con fecha de búsqueda 15 de octubre de 2021 en las siguientes plataformas: eCOVID-19 living map of recommendations (eCovid-19 RecMap), Base internacional de Guías GRADE (BIGG) , Guidelines International Network (GIN), COVID-19 Guidelines Dashboard, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - UK (NICE) y Trip database, identificándose 5 guías de práctica clínica (Ver Anexo 1). En base a criterios como fecha de búsqueda de la evidencia, uso de metodología GRADE para evaluar la certeza de la evidencia, disponibilidad de la tabla Perfil de evidencia o Resumen de hallazgos, disponibilidad de los criterios o Tabla EtD, tipo de recomendación emitida y valoración AGREE II realizada por el equipo de eCovid-19 RecMap, se seleccionó la GPC de Australia titulada "Australian guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19"(5) elaborada por The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce, con fecha de publicación del 15 de octubre de 2021 que utilizó la metodología GRADE para la evaluación de la certeza de la evidencia y el Marco de Evidencia para la decisión (EtD) para esta pregunta PICO, estando disponibles a través de las plataformas magicapp(6) y eCovid RecMap(3). En ésta última plataforma, la evaluación de la calidad metodológica de la GPC mediante la herramienta AGREE II mostró puntajes adecuados en los dominios claves: Alcance y objetivos: 83.3%, Rigor en el desarrollo: 74% e Independencia editorial: 70.8%. La guía no identificó ningún estudio en COVID-19 y la evidencia que informó la recomendación provino de una revisión sistemática y meta-análisis de 5 ensayos clínicos en pacientes con Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) por otras causas. Sin embargo, no se identificó la fecha de búsqueda de los estudios ni los métodos realizados para esta revisión sistemática. La recomendación realizada en la GPC de Australia estuvo basada en evidencia con certeza muy baja. Debido a estos resultados, se decidió efectuar una búsqueda de estudios primarios en COVID-19, incorporando parcialmente los términos de búsqueda de la GPC de Australia. La búsqueda se realizó en MEDLINE/ vía Pubmed, plataforma L·OVE de Epistemonikos(7) y en MedRxiv, con fecha 15 de octubre de 2021 (Ver Anexo 1). Los criterios de selección de los estudios fueron: ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, cohortes o casos y control que evaluen la PICO planteada y reportaran al menos uno de los desenlaces de interés. En adición, se efectuó una búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas de ensayos clínicos, que evaluaran el uso de la infusión continua de BNM en pacientes con SDRA, a fines de obtener evidencia indirecta que complementara los resultados de la búsqueda de estudios primarios en COVID-19. La evaluación de la calidad metodológica de las revisiones sistemáticas se realizó con la herramienta AMSTAR 2(8) y para ensayos clínicos se consideró la evaluación de riesgo de sesgo reportada por la revisión sistemática si esta utilizó la herramienta de Cochrane para ensayos clínicos aleatorios. En caso de estudios observacionales, se empleó la herramienta Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I)(9). La certeza de la evidencia fue realizada según el enfoque GRADE que toma en cuenta los siguientes criterios: diseño del estudio, riesgo de sesgo, inconsistencia en los resultados, ausencia de evidencia directa, imprecisión, sesgo de publicación, tamaño de efecto, gradiente dosis-respuesta, y efecto de los potenciales factores de confusión residual (los tres últimos aplicables en estudios observacionales)(10,11). Los resultados fueron presentados utilizando la Tablas de Resumen de Hallazgos (SOF, por sus siglas en inglés) construidas a partir del software en línea GRADEpro (https://gradepro.org/)(12). RECOMENDACIÓN: Se sugiere el uso de la infusión continua de bloqueador neuromuscular en pacientes con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva con algunas de las siguientes condiciones: Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) moderado o grave (PaO2/FiO2 < 150 mmHg) en fase aguda Independientemente del valor de PaO2/FiO2: Asincronía ventilatoria mayor persistente, a pesar de una programación adecuada del ventilador mecánico. Ventilación en posición prona. Necesidad de sedación profunda. Persistencia de presiones plateau altas o PEEP alto. Presencia de barotrauma o riesgo elevado de desarrollarlo. JUSTIFICACIÓN DE LA RECOMENDACIÓN: Se identificó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo multicéntrico(14) que utilizó la información disponible a través de registros electrónicos de pacientes de 174 centros de investigación en 31 países. El 12% de los centros participantes estaba ubicado en Latinoamérica. El estudio está disponible desde Febrero de 2021 como manuscrito aún no revisado por pares. El estudio incluyó a 2165 pacientes con COVID-19 en VMI, que ingresaron a UCI entre Febrero a Noviembre de 2021, en su mayoría durante la primera ola de la pandemia. El estudio comparó el uso de BNM por 2 o más días, sea uso continuo o intermitente (grupo intervención) versus el uso < 2 días luego del inicio de la VMI (grupo control). En conjunto, la mediana de la duración del BNM fue de 3 días (rango intercuartílico (RIC) 2-6) y en aquellos que usaron el BNM de forma continua, la duración fue de 2 días (RIC 1-5). Sin embargo, el estudio no reportó el BNM utilizado ni la dosis administrada. Asimismo, un 17% de participantes del grupo control llegó a recibir 2 días o más de BNM. La administración de co-intervenciones como pronación, maniobras de reclutamiento y uso de corticoides varió entre los grupos. El estudio realizó emparejamiento por puntaje de propensión en base a características clínicas y sociodemográficas y el análisis multivariado incluyó potenciales factores de confusión como uso de antibióticos, terapia de reemplazo renal continua, ECMO y decúbito prono. Una descripción más detallada del estudio está disponible en el Anexo 2. El estudio reportó un mayor riesgo de mortalidad a los 28 días entre los que habían recibido BNM (HRa: 2.20, IC 95%: 1.67-2.89; 1350 pacientes incluidos en el análisis multivariado). El riesgo de sesgo global fue calificado como Serio, dada la calificación de Serio en los dominios Sesgo debido a confusión, Sesgo en la clasificación de las intervenciones, Sesgo debido a datos perdidos y no información en el dominio Sesgos debido a desviaciones de las intervenciones propuestas, de la herramienta ROBINS-I. La certeza de la evidencia fue calificada como Baja debido a riesgo de sesgo muy serio.

BET 2: Is the use of long-acting neuromuscular blocking agents for intubation associated with reduced provision of postintubation sedation?

A short cut review was conducted to assess if the use of rocuronium in the ED was associated with a decrease in the provision of postintubation sedation. Four papers were identified that presented the best evidence to answer the question. Again the studies, relevant outcomes, results and weaknesses are tabulated. All the identified studies were retrospective and there was a plethora of outcome measures used. When compared with suxamethonium, rocuronium was associated with a delayed initiation and reduced dose of postintubation sedation.

Effects of neuromuscular blocking agents on the clinical performance of i-gel® and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing hand surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: The effects of neuromuscular blocking agents on the clinical performance of supraglottic airway devices and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing hand surgery have not been established. We evaluated the effects of rocuronium on the clinical performance of an i-gel® supraglottic device and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic hand surgery. Methods: Patients aged 65-85 years were randomized to receive either rocuronium (rocuronium group) or saline (control group). We compared the rates of successful insertion of the i-gel on the first attempt as a primary outcome and also assessed the adequacy of i-gel maintenance during controlled ventilation, anesthetic requirement, surgical condition, and recovery time. Results: The rates of successful insertion of the i-gel on a first attempt were 93.1% in the rocuronium group versus 82.1% in the control group (P = 0.423). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was lower in the rocuronium group than in the control group (15.2 vs. 17.9 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.028). Spontaneous breathing was less common in the rocuronium group (24.1% vs. 57.1%, respectively, P = 0.011). The requirement of additional fentanyl to suppress spontaneous breathing or patient movement was less in the rocuronium group than in the control group (24.1% vs. 50.0%, respectively, P = 0.043). Surgical condition did not differ between the two groups. Recovery time was shorter in the rocuronium group than in the control group (8.4 vs. 9.9 min, respectively, P = 0.030). Conclusions: Rocuronium did not enhance the success rate of inserting the i-gel® or the surgical condition in elderly patients. However, using rocuronium reduced PIP, the frequency of spontaneous breathing, the requirement for additional fentanyl and patients' recovery time.

Neuromuscular blockade management in patients with COVID-19.

This narrative review evaluates the evidence for using neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in patients being treated for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While large prospective randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking at this point in time, smaller observational studies and case series are reviewed to ascertain the indications and utility of NMBAs. Additionally, large RCTs that address similar clinical scenarios are reviewed and the authors translate these findings to patients with COVID-19. Specifically, NMBAs can be helpful during endotracheal intubation to minimize the risk of patient coughing and possibly infecting healthcare personnel. NMBAs can also be used in patients to promote patient-ventilator synchrony while reducing the driving pressure needed with mechanical ventilation (MV), particularly in patients with the severe clinical presentation (Type H phenotype). Prone positioning has also become a cornerstone in managing refractory hypoxemia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome, and NMBAs can be useful in facilitating this maneuver. In the perioperative setting, deep levels of neuromuscular blockade can improve patient outcomes during laparoscopic operations and may theoretically reduce the risk of aerosolization as lower insufflation pressures may be utilized. Regardless of the indication, quantitative neuromuscular monitoring remains the only reliable method to confirm adequate recovery following cessation of neuromuscular blockade. Such monitors may serve a unique purpose in patients with COVID-19 as automation of measurements can reduce healthcare personnel-patient contact that would occur during periodic subjective evaluation with a peripheral nerve stimulator.

Lidocaine combined with magnesium sulfate preserved hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia without prolonging neuromuscular blockade: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine and magnesium sulfate have become increasingly utilized in general anesthesia. The present study evaluated the effects of these drugs, isolated or combined, on hemodynamic parameters as well as on the cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB). METHODS: At a university hospital, 64 patients, ASA physical status I and II, undergoing elective surgery with similar pain stimuli were randomly assigned to four groups. Patients received a bolus of lidocaine and magnesium sulfate before the tracheal intubation and a continuous infusion during the operation as follows: 3 mg.kg- 1 and 3 mg.kg- 1.h- 1 (lidocaine - L group), 40 mg.kg- 1 and 20 mg.kg- 1.h- 1 (magnesium - M group), equal doses of both drugs (magnesium plus lidocaine - ML group), and an equivalent volume of isotonic solution (control - C group). Hemodynamic parameters and neuromuscular blockade features were continuously monitored until spontaneous recovery of the train of four (TOF) ratio (TOFR > 0.9). RESULTS: The magnesium sulfate significantly prolonged all NMB recovery features, without changing the speed of onset of cisatracurium. The addition of lidocaine to Magnesium Sulfate did not influence the cisatracurium neuromuscular blockade. A similar finding was observed when this drug was used alone, with a significantly smaller fluctuation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) measures during anesthesia induction and maintenance. Interestingly, the percentage of patients who achieved a TOFR of 90% without reaching T1-95% was higher in the M and ML groups. Than in the C and L groups. There were no adverse events reported in this study. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine plays a significant role in the hemodynamic stability of patients under general anesthesia without exerting any additional impact on the NMB, even combined with magnesium sulfate. Aside from prolonging all NMB recovery characteristics without altering the onset speed, magnesium sulfate enhances the TOF recovery rate without T1 recovery. Our findings may aid clinical decisions involving the use of these drugs by encouraging their association in multimodal anesthesia or other therapeutic purposes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02483611 (registration date: 06-29-2015).